← New Mexico burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
New Mexico Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: Open/debris burning on non-federal, non-tribal, non-municipal land is allowed only when no state fire restrictions are in effect; restrictions are common in dry months and can ban all agricultural, yard-waste and debris burning.
Open/debris burning on non-federal, non-tribal, non-municipal land is allowed only when no state fire restrictions are in effect; restrictions are common in dry months and can ban all agricultural, yard-waste and debris burning. Check local fire dept for permits.
Official source: emnrd.nm.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering New Mexico
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ArizonaConditional
On state trust land, open/debris burning is governed by DFFM fire-restriction stages and local rules; many areas also require county air-quality burn permits. Allowances tighten as Stage I/II restrictions are imposed during fire season.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dffm.az.gov · Full Arizona rule →
- ColoradoConditional
Open burning of yard/land debris (slash, vegetation, wood piles) generally requires a CDPHE smoke permit; small open burns are <50 piles, max 8'x8'x8', out cold by sunset. No barrels/incinerators. Local county/fire approval also required.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: cdphe.colorado.gov · Full Colorado rule →
- OklahomaConditional
Open burning of debris is generally allowed but is restricted or prohibited under a county-commissioner or Governor's burn ban, which are common in drought. Violations are misdemeanors (county ban up to $500; Governor's ban up to $1,000).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ag.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
- TexasConditional
Outdoor burning is regulated by TCEQ rules and, during drought, by county burn bans adopted by the county judge or commissioners court. When no ban is in place, debris burning is allowed under TCEQ conditions; a county burn ban prohibits or restricts it.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tfsweb.tamu.edu · Full Texas rule →
- UtahRestricted
Under Utah Code 65A-8-211, non-agricultural open burning is prohibited during the closed fire season (June 1–Oct 31) and Nov–Mar; allowed only Apr–May within a county-set 30-day window after notifying the fire department. Agricultural burns need a fire-warden/sheriff permit in season. A DAQ air-quality permit is also required.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ffsl.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →
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